Capacitors charged in parallel

In summary: But after they are disconnected from the battery, the potential difference across each capacitor depends on the charge on it. So when they are reconnected in series, the capacitors will have different polarizations on their plates, resulting in opposite polarizations on the plates. In summary, when capacitors C1 = 6.97 uF and C2 = 1.54 uF are charged in parallel across a 281 V battery, the resulting charge on capacitor C1 is 1.5x10-3c and the resulting charge on capacitor C2 is 5x10-4c. After they are disconnected and reconnected in series, the polarizations on the plates will be opposite due to the difference in potential difference across each
  • #1
L_landau
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Homework Statement


Capacitors C1 = 6.97 uF and C2 = 1.54 uF are charged as a parallel combination across a 281 V battery. The capacitors are disconnected from the battery and from each other. They are then connected positive plate to negative plate and negative plate to positive plate.
A) Calculate the resulting charge on capacitor C1.
B) Calculate the resulting charge on capacitor C2.

from this answer
http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/capacitors-c1-697-uf-c2-154-uf-charged-parallel-combination-across-281-v-battery-capacitor-q1385340

Homework Equations


Q = CΔV

The Attempt at a Solution


So q1 = 1.5x10-3c and q2 = 5x10-4c. Why would the drawing show opposite polarizations on the plates? Shouldn't the battery give the same potential drop across two capacitors in parallel?
 

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  • #2
L_landau said:
from this answer
That answer is visible only to chegg members.
L_landau said:
Why would the drawing show opposite polarizations on the plates?
Because,
L_landau said:
They are then connected positive plate to negative plate and negative plate to positive plate.
 
  • #3
But the picture is as they are charged and before they are connected positive to negative and vice-versa I thought?
 
  • #4
L_landau said:
But the picture is as they are charged and before they are connected positive to negative and vice-versa I thought?
No. It is just after they are reconnected in series.

L_landau said:
Shouldn't the battery give the same potential drop across two capacitors in parallel?
That would be true when the capacitors were charging.
 

1. What is the purpose of charging capacitors in parallel?

Charging capacitors in parallel allows for a larger overall capacitance, which is useful for storing more electrical energy.

2. How are capacitors charged in parallel connected?

Capacitors charged in parallel are connected by connecting the positive terminals together and the negative terminals together.

3. Can capacitors with different capacitance values be charged in parallel?

Yes, capacitors with different capacitance values can be charged in parallel. The overall capacitance will be equal to the sum of the individual capacitance values.

4. What happens if one capacitor in a parallel circuit is not fully charged?

If one capacitor in a parallel circuit is not fully charged, it will continue to charge until it reaches the same voltage as the other capacitors in the circuit.

5. Is it possible for capacitors charged in parallel to discharge at different rates?

Yes, it is possible for capacitors charged in parallel to discharge at different rates. This is because the discharge rate is dependent on the capacitance and the resistance in the circuit.

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